Sunday, February 22, 2009

Random Ramblings

I am in a funk. I have no idea why - it is not that anything negative has happened (or positive for that matter - but positives rarely coincide with funks). The puppy is about 80% house trained -- but it is the other 20% that is driving me nuts. For the most part classes at school are going fine. Perhaps it is the "end of winter" blahs that have me down. Anyway.....I have spent little time on the blog because, quite frankly, I have not been in the mood. However, I have read enough writing by writers that say you need to develop the discipline of writing. You need to write no matter what. Don't wait for the inspiration, just write. OK --- so here it goes.

I have managed to complete my first reading challenge ever, and I must say I can now understand why some of you are so addicted to them. What a great sense of satisfaction - which creates a desire to experience that same feeling again and again. Sheri sponsored the "Just for the Fun of It" reading challenge that runs from Jan - April. The premise is to read only books that I want to read, when I want to read them. I did not have to publish a list of books for this challenge, and if I did publish a list, I was free to change it at any time. This challenge spelled "success" from the get-go. I had decided that I would try to read 4 books for this challenge (I figured one book a month). I did not pre-publish a list because for me that would defeat the "just for the fun" aspect. I actually exceeded my goal with 5 completed books (so far):

I realize that I still have 2 more months to go, and I will still try to read some more "fun" books, but I have to start my Master's reading for summer classes soon, and that will take a lot of my "free" time. Sheri, thank you for empowering me to take time out for myself every once and a while.

I have also spent some time trying to create some "ambiance" in my cozy book nook. The idea for my blog coincided with my decision to redecorate my son's room. While Brian is always welcome to come back home (and I do miss him terribly), the truth of the matter is.....I doubt that he will for longer than a visit. He has been living on his own in Nashville for nearly two years now, and the odds are against him wanting to give up that freedom. I decided that his room was going to waste and I desperately wanted a place where I could go and escape. I put up several bookshelves (over the past 3 years the number of books that I own has grown exponentially) and an old love seat. This weekend I purchased an indoor water fountain on clearance - as I truly do find the sound of babbling water quite soothing. I also elicited the help of my brother, a collector of music extraordinaire, to find some soothing classical/jazz music that I could play in the background. He recommended the Bill Evans Trio which I have found to perfect for my liking. I now have decided that I need to add a splash of personality to the bare "red" walls. I would like to obtain some framed prints of England and/or Paris to keep with the serenity/inspirational theme. All in all this small dormer room has truly become my cozy book nook and I am very grateful.

I was so very honored this week when Kaye bestowed upon me the Fabulous Blog award. I must admit, I think this is one of the cutest buttons I have seen around the blogosphere and I was secretly coveting one myself (not that I think my blog deserved it, mind you......I just liked the sheek, cosmopolitan woman with her cute pedigree pooch). Now comes the hard part --- who to publicly acknowledge for this award. I always struggle with this. I love every blog I read (and I am subscribed to over 100 right now) - and I don't want to leave anyone out. On the other hand, I know that several have already received this award from others, and I do not want them to feel obligated to acknowledge me on their blog. What to do.....what to do......

I have decided that I will post the list of blogs that I read on a daily basis. I mean, I actively look to see if they have posted anything new --- rather than passively wait for google reader to let me know. I am sure that they have all received this award (probably numerous times), and if that is the case, please know that I do not expect you to give a shout out on your blog. If, however, you have not been duly honored, please accept this award with my hearty gratitude for your contribution to the book blogging community. Most of you read these blogs as well, but if you haven't checked them out....then you absolutely, positively NEED to do so:

19 comments:

I hope you get out of your funk soon - maybe it's just the end of the winter blahs. Congratulations on your award and thank you so much for passing it on to me. I'm so flattered that you thought of me.

Molly, thank you so much for including me in your daily reads. I feel truly honored that someone of your intellectual standing reads my amateurish ramblings. Of course, you also have discerning taste appreciating the penguins! It is hard to actually "name names" when you get an award because, as you stated so eloquently, there are so many wonderful ones out there , each with their own unique voice. It has become one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. you have listed some new ones to me so I will be checking them out. Thank you for all you do that adds so much pleasure to the blogosphere.

This is a great list, Molly, and I'm honored that you included me! Like you, I have been admiring this award for its style...it reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina (one of my favorite movies). So thank you, thank you, and I think your blog is Fabulous, too! There are a couple of previously unknown (to me) blogs here that I am going to check out.

Thank you so much for the award,Molly! I'm really honoured that you think my blog is fabulous. I keep wanting to make it better somehow, but again, you are right, it's all about the posts. I'll have to check some of the others you reccommended, they are new to me.

As for finishing your first challenge - congratulations. It really is a wonderful feeling, isn't it? I also have to give you a point shortly for Bad Blogger, since you inspired me to get The Sister out form the library :-D

and most of all, I love your book nook. Your sofa looks so comfortable and I really want to see what you have on your shelves!!! I hope you enjoy many quiet blissful reading times there.

Thanks for the list of blogs you love. I'm still in (what I consider) the early stages of exploring all of the incredible book blogs out there. There are so many! But I found yours early on and have enjoyed reading your posts.

I hope you get out of your funk soon--good luck with your Masters! :-)

Hi Molly--First off, I am sorry for your funk but know how you are feeling, as I posted a week or so ago about my own funk. I think just sitting down and writing was part of the ticket to getting out of it--just like you said. I don't think Spring will hurt either! I posted on my main, non-book blog a couple of pictures of blooming things I found in my yard this past weekend--they gave me hope, even though our heavy rain has returned.

Secondly, your book nook looks fantastic--I love the red walls. You are lucky to have space like that to make your own, and I am also wondering what all is on those shelves!

Thirdly, thank you SO much for the award and for the kind words. I too feel so honored to have my little rambley blog listed in the company of so many great, thought provoking blogs. I just want you to know that your blog is a must read for me each day and I have been missing you this week. ;)

I hope tomorrow is a new and good day for you--just need to get over that hump. *smiles*Kim

Thank you so much, Molly! My first award and I absolutely love that button. Perhaps your funk is contagious...there seems to be a bit of that around my house, too.Hope yours ends soon and I promise to get a proper post out tomorrow.

About Me

Redefining Life at Fifty. I no longer wish to live according to the expectations of others - the roles that I play on a weekly basis. Instead of a "human doing" I wish to become a "human being" ... learning to cultivate my God-given talents and gifts in a way that brings joy to myself and those around me.
Life is too short not to live it.